Nineteen Wambo Washery workers have reached a new enterprise agreement with Peabody, following months of lockouts, lost wages and industrial action.
Mining and Energy Union members have indicated they will accept the new agreement, which delivers the equivalent of 4 per cent increases to total remuneration, with the second increase brought forward to six months after the first, and a $5,500 sign-on bonus. The agreement also resolves issues around accident pay and includes other improvements sought by members.
MEU Northern Mining and NSW Energy District President Robin Williams said the outcome exposed the company’s approach to the dispute.
“When Peabody finally put senior decision-makers in the room and genuinely engaged, we got it done in one meeting,” he said.
Mr Williams said the final agreement vindicated the workers’ decision to hold firm throughout the dispute.
“Our members knew what they were fighting for and they knew they were right to fight for it,” he said, describing lockouts as one of the most aggressive tactics available to an employer.
MEU members at United Wambo Washery began protected industrial action in May, during negotiations for a replacement enterprise agreement that commenced in July 2025.
